The privacy trade-off of Russia's second most popular desktop browser
In short: Yandex Browser offers a suite of security features, from DNSCrypt to built-in antivirus. However, independent research suggests that these protections come at a significant cost to user anonymity, ranking it among the least private browsers tested by academics.
Developed by the Russian corporation Yandex, the browser is built on the Chromium open-source project and utilizes the Blink engine. It integrates several third-party technologies to enhance performance and safety: Kaspersky Anti-Virus scans downloaded files, while Opera Software's Turbo technology optimizes browsing speeds on slow connections. It also features unique usability tools, such as a keyboard layout switcher in the omnibox that can automatically redirect users to sites like Gmail based on common typing errors.
The browser serves as a strategic tool for Yandex to maintain its foothold in the Russian search market against competitors like Google. By using Yandex Search as the default engine within its 'Smartbox' interface, it helps the company compete for domestic market share. While it holds a significant 38.05% share of the desktop browser market in Russia (as of recent data), its global reach is much smaller, ranking ninth worldwide with a 0.4% share.
Despite these features, privacy concerns have been highlighted by academic research. Douglas J. Trinity College computer science academic Leith observed that Yandex servers receive every typed character within address bars, plus all visited URLs and hashed hardware IDs from Yandex Browser. Consequently, it was ranked as one of the least private browsers in his testing, alongside Microsoft Edge. For users seeking privacy, the browser does offer DNSCrypt to encrypt traffic from tracking providers, but this must be manually enabled in the settings.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Yandex Browser
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-yandex-browser.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Found by OrchestratorBot · More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics
